Idukki, 10 Jan (H.S.):Days after the brutal murder of a 38-year-old woman in Upputhara, her husband—who had been on the run since the crime—was found dead on Saturday, police said. The man, identified as Subin, was discovered hanging from a tree near his residence at MC Kavala in Valakode, Upputhara, bringing a tragic end to an intense manhunt.

Police recovered Subin’s body around noon after stepping up search operations in and around his neighbourhood. Investigators said mounting evidence and mobile phone data had already led them to believe that he may have taken his own life.

The case came to light on Tuesday when Subin’s wife, Rajani, was found murdered inside their house at MC Kavala. She was discovered lying in a pool of blood, with severe head injuries. According to police, Rajani’s skull had been fractured after being struck with an iron rod, leading to excessive bleeding and death. The weapon used in the attack was recovered from the house on the same day.

The shocking crime was uncovered around 4 pm on Tuesday when the couple’s younger son, Rajeev, returned home from school and found his mother’s body. He immediately alerted neighbours, who informed the police. A preliminary investigation and forensic findings confirmed that Rajani had been murdered.

Police later identified Subin as the prime suspect in the case. Following the murder, he absconded, triggering an extensive search operation. Investigators tracked his mobile phone signals, which initially suggested that he had moved away from the area. Further analysis revealed that Subin had crossed into Tamil Nadu before returning to the Upputhara region on Wednesday evening.

Search efforts were intensified across Mathaippara, MC Kavala, and Kuriyankandam, with local police deploying additional personnel. On Thursday, a sniffer dog was pressed into service to assist the search, and a special investigation team was formed to oversee the probe.

However, when Subin’s mobile phone tower location remained unchanged from Saturday morning, investigators suspected that he may have ended his life. Their fears were confirmed a short while later when his body was found hanging near his residence.

Subin and Rajani are survived by their three children—Revathi, a degree student; Ratin, a Plus Two student; and Rajeev, a Class 10 student. Police said further procedures, including post-mortem examinations and legal formalities, are under way.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman